Boston Star McKenna Brand Back for Third Season with the Pride
April 17, 2020 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Boston Pride News Release
Boston - McKenna Brand, who has emerged as one of the NWHL brightest stars in her first two years in the league, will be back with the Boston Pride next season. Brand, who finished third in the balloting for NWHL MVP last season, has signed her contract for 2020-21.
"I am so grateful to be signing with the Pride for my third season in the NWHL," said Brand, who turns 24 in May. "Last year was truly one of my favorite years of hockey, playing with some amazing people. The culture that the Pride organization created last season was a major part of our success and I cannot wait to be a part of that again. I am looking forward to playing in front of the best fans in the league and continue to grow the game in the Boston area."
Brand was 19-17-36 in 24 games last season. She was second in the league in goals, tied for second in points, and led the NWHL in game-winning goals (6). In her rookie season in 2018-19, she was fifth in scoring. Through two pro seasons, Brand has averaged 1.33 points per game.
"From the moment McKenna started her pro career in Boston until now, she just keeps getting better," said Pride President Hayley Moore. "Her pure skating ability, scoring prowess, and hockey IQ, coupled by her selfless attitude and work in the community, make her an ideal member of the Pack. We are lucky to have McKenna back for a third season with the Pride and can't wait to see where she brings her game next."
Selected 11th overall in the 2017 NWHL Draft, Brand led Northeastern in scoring in her senior season with 15 goals and 34 points in 39 games. As a junior, she had 23 goals in 37 games - including 5 game-winners - and received First Team Hockey East All-Star honors. She finished her career as the program's all-time leader in games played, with 150.
While playing in the NWHL, Brand will serve as a hockey skills development coach, and continue to work as a nanny for a local family. "The family is amazing, and the boys that I take care of are my best buds," she said. "They absolutely love coming to Pride games and watching us play, which is something that's pretty special for me to be able to share with them."
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